Health Blog

The growing risk of misdiagnosis and how to protect yourself

A recent report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) included an alarming statistic: 12 million adults in the U.S. who seek outpatient medical care experience a diagnostic error each year in the form of an incorrect, missed or late diagnosis. The report’s authors conclude that most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime. What steps should you take to help prevent yourself from being misdiagnosed?

A significant problem that hasn’t received enough attention

While there have been several studies that have examined hospital and medication errors, there have been far fewer that have explored the problem of diagnostic errors. The studies that have been undertaken have found that the problem extends well beyond outpatient care and that these errors can lead to inappropriate treatment and poorer outcomes. For example:

It’s also important to come to your physician’s appointments well prepared. Before the appointment, make a list of your symptoms, how long you’ve experienced them and any questions you have for the doctor. It can be helpful to bring a trusted family member, friend or advocate with you to the appointment to take notes and ask questions, especially if you’re dealing with a serious health problem. By being an active participant in the diagnostic process, you’ll not only be a more informed patient, you’ll also lower the risk of avoidable diagnostic errors.

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